Woman Rescued From Deep Manhole in LA; Suspected Underground Homeless Living

Manhole Rescue Operation

• 🚒 Firefighters successfully rescued a 34-year-old woman who had fallen approximately 20 feet into a manhole in the Harbor Gateway area.
• 📞 The rescue was initiated after a Walmart employee heard the woman screaming for help for an entire day and called 911.
• 🛠️ Rescuers used an aerial device to lower ropes and package the woman into a harness for extraction from the deep hole.

Underground Homelessness in Los Angeles

• 💡 Community members report that thousands of people live underground in Los Angeles, using manholes and storm drains for shelter.
• 🔌 Some underground setups are elaborate, with residents creating living spaces that include electricity and power outlets.
• ⚠️ The specific manhole where the woman fell had been uncovered for about two years, according to a local resident.

Metal Theft and its Consequences

• ♻️ It is believed that homeless individuals may be recycling metal lids and grates from manholes for money.
• 📉 This practice contributes to a broader issue of metal theft, which has impacted essential services.
• ☎️ Notably, the fire station that responded to the rescue, Fire Station 79, has been without a station phone due to copper cable theft from manholes, affecting 911 communications.

Safety and Infrastructure Concerns

• 🚧 The incident highlights concerns about uncovered storm drains and the potential dangers they pose to the public.
• 🔒 Following the rescue, the storm drain was sealed with a steel plate for safety.